ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Availability of drugs at reasonable price
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority  under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceuticals fixes the ceiling price of scheduled medicines as per provisions of the Drugs  Order, 2013. In case of non-scheduled medicines, a manufacturer is at liberty to fix the Maximum Retail Price  launched by it, but is not allowed to increase the MRP of such formulations by more than 10% per annum. NPPA has fixed ceiling prices of 886 scheduled formulations & 4 scheduled medical devices and fixed retail prices of 1,817 new drugs. In addition, it has fixed the ceiling price of Orthopedic Knee Implants under Para 19 of DPCO, 2013 in public interest. Moreover, under “Trade Margin Rationalisation” Approach, the NPPA has fixed Trade Margin of non-scheduled formulations of 42 select Anti-cancer medicines and recently during COVID-19 pandemic, regulated the prices of Oxygen Concentrators, Pulse Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine, Nebulizer, Digital Thermometer and Glucometer.
With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana  has been launched by the Government wherein dedicated outlets are opened to provide quality generic medicines at cheaper rates to the citizens. Under the Scheme, till 28.02.2022, about 8,689 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras  have been opened across the country, covering all districts of the country. Jan Aushadhi Medicines are cheaper by 50 -90% of market prices of branded medicines. During the current financial year , total sales of Rs. 814.21 cr. has been achieved, which has led to estimated savings of approximately Rs. 4,800 cr. to the citizens.
In order to attain self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector, develop global champions and to retain the position of the country as ‘Pharmacy of the world’, the government has launched two Production Linked Incentive  schemes. PLI scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediates / Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients  was launched with a total financial outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore. Under the scheme, 49 applicants have already been approved. The other PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals has a total financial outlay of Rs. 15,000 crore. Under this scheme, 55 applicants have been selected. In addition, the department has launched a Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 3,000 cr wherein financial assistance is to be provided for creation of Common Infrastructure Facilities in 3 Bulk Drug Parks.
The information was given by the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 15/03/2022.
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry Holds Investor Conclave For Opportunities in Coal Sector
Per Capita Power Consumption to Double by 2040 – Shri Pralhad Joshi
Ministry Reiterates Support to Prospective Bidders
The Ministry of Coal held first ever investor conclave today at Indore. Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi chaired the conclave. Member of Parliament, Shri Shankar Lalwani was present on the occasion .
Shri Pralhad Joshi reaffirmed that the demand for coal is going to stay at least for the next 25-30 years and that India is currently not even having one tenth of the per capita consumption of power as compared to some of the other developed economies in the world and it is estimated that the per capita consumption is going to double by 2040 for which coal is the necessity. The focus of the present government under the guidance of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is to become net zero carbon emission country by adopting better technological processes.
Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal reiterated the commitment of the Ministry in supporting the coal industry and informed that Ministry of Coal is there to extend any help required by the prospective bidders. Shri Pramod Agrawal, Chairman, Coal India Limited lauded the efforts of the Ministry in taking various initiatives to extend support to the coal sector players and thereby contributing to the vision of making India Aatmanirbhar in coal.
Additional Secretary & Nominated Authority, Shri. M. Nagaraju informed the forum about the reforms undertaken by Ministry of Coal to improve the attractiveness of coal auction process and make it more investor friendly. Shri. Manoj Kumar, CMD, CMPDIL gave a presentation on the technical details of the coal blocks being offered in the largest ever auction process and Shri. Shubham Goel, Vice President, SBI Capital Markets delivered a presentation on the terms and conditions of the auction process.
Ministry of Coal has completed the successful auction of 64 coal mines in the first five tranches. Also launched the process for auction of 133 coal mines under 6th round of commercial auctions and 8 coal mines under 2nd attempt of 5th tranche of commercial auctions where single bids were received in the first attempt.
Key features of the auction process include reduction in upfront amount and bid security amount, permission to relinquish part of the coal mine in case of partially explored coal mines, introduction of National Coal Index and National Lignite Index, ease of participation with no entry barriers, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimized payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology.
The sale of tender document commenced on November 03, 2022. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform. The auction shall be held online through a transparent 2 stage process, on the basis of Percentage Revenue Share. SBI Capital Markets Limited, the sole Transaction Advisor to Ministry of Coal for the commercial coal mine auctions, is assisting the Ministry of Coal in conduct of the auction.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
104.82 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
14,348 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.19%
13,198 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,36,27,632
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.47%; Lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 1,61,334
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 35 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 25 days
60.58 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Finance
Presentation of details of 3rd Tranche by Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan to support Indian economy in fight against COVID-19
Please click here for PPT
Prime Minister's Office
The First Meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be hosting the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit, with the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in a virtual format on 27 January 2022. This will be the first engagement of its kind between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders.
The first India-Central Asia Summit is a reflection of India’s growing engagement with the Central Asian countries, which are a part of India’s "Extended Neighbourhood”. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries in 2015. Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high-levels at bilateral and multilateral forums.
The inception of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at Foreign Ministers’ level, the 3rd meeting of which was held in New Delhi from 18-20 December 2021, has provided an impetus to India-Central Asia relations. The participation of the Secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi on 10 November 2021 outlined a common regional approach on Afghanistan.
During the first India-Central Asia Summit, the Leaders are expected to discuss steps to take forward India-Central Asia relations to newer heights. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation.
The Summit is symbolic of the importance attached by the Leaders of India and the Central Asian countries to a comprehensive and enduring India-Central Asia partnership.
Ministry of Communications
123rd Circle Level Dak Adalat to be held in Mumbai on June 20 2023
Dak Adalat to focus on addressing complaints and grievances related to Postal Services in Maharashtra and Goa
Panaji | 19th May 2023
The Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Circle, located in Mumbai, will be hosting the 123rd Dak Adalat on June 20, 2023, at 15:00 hrs. The event will take place at the Annex Building, GPO Complex, 5th floor, Mumbai-400001. The Dak Adalat will focus on addressing complaints and grievances related to Postal Services in Maharashtra and Goa that have not been resolved within a period of five weeks
Postal Services play a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of our nation, impacting the lives of every citizen. While the Department of Posts strives to deliver services to the utmost satisfaction of its customers, occasional communication gaps and service faults can lead to grievances and complaints. The 123rd Circle Level Dak Adalat is being held in an effort to effectively redress these issues
The Dak Adalat will focus on addressing complaints and grievances related to Postal Services in Maharashtra and Goa that have not been resolved within a period of five weeks. It will specifically consider complaints regarding Unregistered/Registered Mails, Speed Post, Counter Services, Savings Banks, and non-payment of Money Orders, among others. To facilitate a swift resolution, complainants are requested to provide detailed information, including the names and designations of the officers to whom the original complaint was addressed, as well as relevant particulars of articles, Money Orders, Saving Bank Accounts, Certificates, etc.
Customers who are interested in participating in the Dak Adalat are requested to submit their complaints in duplicate to the Assistant Director Postal Services  and Secretary, Dak Adalat, at the following address: O/o the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Annex Building, GPO Complex, 4th floor, Mumbai-400001. Complaints should reach the office on or before June 5, 2023.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Increase in Cyber Crimes
With the enhanced use of cyber space, the number of cyber crimes, including financial frauds and crimes relating to women, is also increasing. ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime through their Law Enforcement Agencies . The LEAs take legal action as per provisions of law against the offenders. The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the State Governments through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for their capacity building.
Ministry of Home Affairs has provided financial assistance to all the States & UTs under Cyber Crime Prevention against Women & Children  scheme to support their efforts for setting up of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories, training, and hiring of junior cyber consultants. Cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories have been commissioned in 18 States. The Central Government has taken steps for spreading awareness about cyber crimes, issuance of alerts/ advisories, capacity building/ training of law enforcement personnel/ prosecutors/ judicial officers, improving cyber forensic facilities etc.
The Government has established Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre  to provide a framework and eco-system for LEAs to deal with the cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. The Government has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal , to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with a special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. A toll-free number 155260 has been operationalised to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints. Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System module has been launched for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off fund by the fraudsters.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
MoU on Defence Salary Package signed between Indian Army and State Bank of India
A Memorandum of Understanding  was signed between the Indian Army and SBI on the Defence Salary Package on 12 July 2018. The signing-in ceremony was chaired by the Adjutant General Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar and was attended by top officials of SBI headed by Shri PK Gupta, Managing Director , SBI.
The first MoU between SBI and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 23 Feb 2015. The revised MoU is tailor made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. A number of additional facilities have been incorporated in the revised MoU which include free personal accident death cover, free permanent total disablement cover and other accidental benefits to the deceased soldier and family. This MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with SBI. The MoU will be valid till 03 Jan 2019 and continuation thereafter will be subject to review/renewal.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Shri Bhupender Yadav presents offer letters and e-labor cards to candidates and workers
Mega Job-fair Cum Shramik Chaupal organized in Bhopal from 27th to 29th May, 2023
The Mega Job-fair Cum Shramik Chaupal at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India from 27th to 29th May, 2023 in association with Department of Technical Education, Skill Development & Employment and Department of Labour, Government of Madhya Pradesh. On conclusion of the Mega Job Fair Cum Shramik Chaupal today Shri Shivaraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Shri Bhupender Yadav,Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change distributed the offer of appointment to the selected candidates.
The jobseekers and employers registered on National Career Service  portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment  participated in the event. Total 107 employers participated in the job-fair including MRF Tyres, L&T Finance, HDB Finance, LIC, Bajaj Capital, Cosmos, Suzuki Motors, Times Pro, Princeston college, Katariya Group etc The employers association such as Confederation of Indian Industries , Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry , Indian Staffing Federation also supported the event. The employers offered different job roles such as Assistant Professors, Training and Placement Officer, Electrical Engineer, Web Developer, IT expert, BioMedical expert, Fitter, Turner, CNC mechanic etc. More than 3300 jobseekers participated in the job fair out of which, more than 630 jobseekers were selected on the spot by the employers. Further, more than 1000 jobseekers were shortlisted for further interview/recruitment by the employers.
The Shramik Chaupal was also organized along with Mega Job fair to sensitize workers, particularly those in unorganized sector, about Social Security/Welfare Schemes and to motivate and facilitate the workers to register under different schemes of Central and State Governments. In this connection, stalls of eShram, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan, Employers Provident Fund Organization , Employees State Insurance Corporation , Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board , Chief Labour Commissioner , Department of Labour were setup at the programme venue from 27th to 29th May, 2023 to facilitate registration, awareness and grievance redressal of the workers.
Around 2000 workers participated in the programme and registered with various welfare schemes of the Government. During the Shramik Chaupal, around 200 workers also received health check-up through ESIS. Shri Shivaraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change also distributed certificates to eShram, PMSYM, EPFO, ESIC and other beneficiaries.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
STATUS OF INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR FOR THE NORTH-EASTERN REGION
ALL IDENTIFIED ROUTES ARE IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS SUCH AS THE ASIAN HIGHWAY NETWORK
On the matter for setting up of industrial corridor in the North East Region being taken up, the proposal for connecting Dawki-Guwahati-Moreh was considered favourably in the 2nd meeting of Board of Trustees of National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust.
Consequently, a feasibility study on North East Economic Corridor was entrusted to Asian Development Bank and its report has been submitted, the key findings of which are as below :
- The study delves deep into three key infrastructure aspects- transport, urban and power – as enablers for equitable economic development for the North East Region.
- A multi-modal transport network is envisaged at three levels  within NER;  between NER and rest of India with additional way of connectivity through Bangladesh; and  with the neighboring countries  to enhance South Asia-Southeast Asia connectivity.
- All identified routes are in line with international and regional transport corridors such as the Asian Highway Network, South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation  corridors, the Trans-Asia Rail Network, and the India–Bangladesh Inland Waterways Protocol routes.
- It has also paid attention to the economic upliftment and equitable development of the individual NER states and the region. The study has identified 24 growth centres and 20 border centres that will drive the development of the states based on their potential.
This information was given by the The Minister of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Health Ministry approves new category for selection and nomination of candidates from ‘Wards of COVID Warriors’ under Central Pool MBBS/BDS seats for the academic year 2020-21
“This will honour the Solemn Sacrifice of all COVID warriors who served selflessly for duty and humanity”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare today announced the Government’s decision to introduce a new category called ‘Wards of COVID Warriors’ in the guidelines for selection and nomination of candidates against Central Pool MBBS seats for the academic Year 2020-21.
The Union Health Minister said that this move aims to dignify and honour the noble contribution made by the COVID Warriors in treatment and management of COVID patient. “This will honour the Solemn Sacrifice of all COVID warriors who served with selfless dedication for the cause of duty and humanity”, he stated.
Central Pool MBBS seats may be allocated for selection and nominations of the candidates from amongst the wards of “COVID Warriors”, who have lost life due to COVID 19; or died accidently on account of COVID 19 related duty.
Reminding everyone that the definition of COVID Warrior has been laid down by Government of India while announcing the insurance package of ₹50 lakhs for them, the Minister said, “COVID Warriors are all public healthcare providers including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this. Private hospital staff and retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/ contracted/ daily wage/ ad-hoc/ outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/ autonomous hospitals of Central/ States/UTs, AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance / hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities are all included.” He added that the State/UT Government will certify the eligibility for this category.
Five  Central Pool MBBS seats have been reserved for this Category for the year 2020-21.
The selection of candidates will be made by the Medical Council Committee  through online application on the basis of rank obtained in the NEET-2020 conducted by National Testing Agency.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
NPPA steps in to cap price of Liquid Medical Oxygen and Medical Oxygen cylinders
PRESS NOTE
1. The present situation of COVID-19 has resulted in increased demand of Medical Oxygen  in the country and hence its availability is of utmost importance. Many of the States/UTs are dependent on the medical oxygen supply from other States/UTs.
2. The government is committed to uninterrupted supply of Medical Oxygen especially in the times of pandemic. Oxygen Inhalation  is a scheduled formulation, covered under the National List of Essential Medicines . Its existing Ceiling Price fixed by NPPA is Rs. 17.49/CUM. However, due to absence of price cap on liquid medical oxygen, manufacturers have hiked prices to fillers. During COVID, supply of medical oxygen through cylinders has increased . Price regulation at this end is imperative for continued availability of medical oxygen across the country.
3. The issue related to availability, including pricing of oxygen has been under the continued consideration of Empowered Group 2, GOI. The Empowered Group 2 has recommended NPPA to consider capping the ex-factory price of liquid oxygen in order to ensure its supply to fillers at reasonable prices. It has also requested NPPA to consider a cap for ex-factory price of oxygen in cylinders in order to ensure supply of oxygen cylinders from filler at reasonable prices.
4. To deal effectively with the situation, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare , GOI has vide its letter dated 23.09.2020 conferred the delegation of powers under Section 10  of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to NPPA to take all necessary steps to immediately regulate the availability and pricing of LMO and Medical Oxygen in cylinder.
5. The Authority deliberated upon the matter in its extra ordinary meeting held on 25.09.2020. It has been decided to invoke extra-ordinary powers in public interest, under Para 19 of DPCO, 13 and under Section 10  of Disaster Management Act, 2005 to deal with the emergent situation arising due to the pandemic. Accordingly it has been decided:
To cap the ex- factory price of Liquid Medical Oxygen  at manufacturers end at Rs. 15.22/CUM exclusive of GST; and
To further cap the ex-factory cost of Medical Oxygen Cylinder at filler end at Rs. 25.71/CUM exclusive of GST in suppression of the existing Ceiling Price of Rs. 17.49/CUM, subject to transportation cost fixation at state level, for six months.
6. The existing rate contracts of state governments for oxygen purchase, as applicable, shall continue, in consumer interest.
The ex-factory price cap of LMO and oxygen gas cylinders will be applicable to domestic production.
The above measures will ensure availability of medical oxygen at consumer end at reasonable price both at hospital level and through oxygen cylinders, especially to distant and interior districts.
Prime Minister's Office
PM wishes people on World Health Day
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has wished people on World Health Day.
PM said, "Good health is the foundation of human progress. This World Health Day, I wish all of you remain in the best health and continue to scale new heights of growth.
I welcome the theme ‘Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere’ that has been chosen by WHO and others. It is the quest for Health For All that inspired us to create Ayushman Bharat, the largest healthcare programme in the world."